The issue in this grievance is whether the grievants were improperly caused to use sick leave and incurred monetary expenses when management directed them to seek immediate medical treatment for their high blood pressure. After reviewing this matter, we mutually agreed that no national interpretive issue is fairly presented in this case. This matter requires application of Postal Bulletin 21526, dated August 8, 1985, and the EL-806, Health and Medical Service Handbook, Part 155.3, Hypertension, which states, in part, that ... Readings may vary with age/sex ... so must be evaluated by the medical officer." Therefore, while non-medical personnel may administer blood pressure tests, only the medical officer is authorized to make determinations concerning an employee's fitness-for-duty. Accordingly, the grievance is sustained and the file returned to the parties at Step 3 for computation of monetary remedy and restoration of the grievant's sick leave.
Document Type: Step 4 Agreement
APWU National Grievance Number: H7N2KC7670